Motorcycle License in the US

[Henrik_imp]

In reading a number of posts on here, a question has been growing in the back of my mind. What are the motorcycle driving(riding) license requirements like in the US?

Certainly in Europe there is generally a requirement for a specific license to ride motorcycles. Often there are different levels based on the displacement of the bikes such as a license limited to bikes smaller than 125cc etc. Here in Switzerland when I first took my motorcycle license (a long time ago...) you had to first pass a reasonably complex riding exam for bikes up to 125cc. Then, having had that license for two years, you were able to do another exam on bikes exceeding that, providing you the right to ride any size bike. The exams would consist of a technical section including emergency stops, riding through tight sections, balancing on a board etc., and then there would be a 30 to 45 minute ride in traffic where the examiner would follow you in his car and give instructions over a com-unit you place in your helmet.

Although not ideal, these exams would at least ensure you had some sort of knowledge and experience in riding a bike before you could roam the streets. Today there are still exams, but there has been a change with regards to displacement etc., and more importantly a set number of hours in a riding school is mandatory.

Now I would be curious to know what the situation is like in the US and other locations members might be from.

[the Ferret]

Varies from state to state, but generally you have to be 16 have to take a written test to get a drivers license, and have to take a riding test to get the MC endorsement. After that you can buy a Hyabusa if you want and go riding. There are no tiered systems in the US and I don't think there ever will be.

When I got my lic in 1966 in my home state of Ohio, I just had to ask to have the mc endorsement put on my drivers lic. Then in 1968 they made it mandatory to take a riding test, so on Jan 1 1968 when it became a legal requirement, my Dad, my younger brother and I all rode out to the testing center to take the test. When we walked in they asked why we were there and we told them. They said they didn't have it set up because it was winter and snowing and asked how we got there. We said we rode our motorcycles (about 60 miles). They said if we rode in that weather we didn't need to take the test and stamped our license. I never have taken any kind of tests written or riding with regards to motorcycle, just the written car lic test.

Now they also have a riding instruction and safety course that you can take with provided small displacement motorcycles and if you pass that course you automatically qualify for a MC endorsement.

[Novice_imp]

We don't have anything like the european requirements. Here you can take the test on a borrowed 150cc (or any street legal bike) and then hop on your liter bike or HD and go crazy. The test is basic maneuverability stuff at low speed. Some states have some small restrictions initially such as daylight riding, helmet use, and no passengers. In Deutschland they used to hang a little speaker around your neck and give you instructions while you rode. I thought it was great for learning, but I haven't seen anything like that here. Maybe it's done here in some of the private riding schools but I can't say for certain. I'm sure someone can provide you with the specifics of the maneuverability test if you're interested, but it may vary by state.

[Razor]

I'm in Michigan, and similar to Ferret; the "test" was pretty basic. I was told to drive my bike around the parking lot. The final test consisted of the instructor asking me to drive down the end of the lot, stop, and take off driving. Then brake when told to do so. Got my endorsement, and have had it since. Jump forward 40+yrs and you have to go through an elaborate series of cones, driving maneuvers and tests. The other alternative to go through and pass the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) test.

I'm lucky to have one of the test centers just 5 miles from me. They leave it open, so I bring some cones and do the self test every so often.

[redbirds_imp]

When I started riding in the 60's, Florida did not have a MC endorsement. A regular driver's license only was needed. Years later Florida and most other states began a MC endorsement program that required a written exam and a riding test. Because my wife and I had been riding before the requirement we were "grandfathered" in and were given the MC rating without having to test. When we moved to Georgia our MC endorsement from Florida was honored and we were given our Georgia licenses with the MC rating.

I don't think a tiered system would ever happen in the US.

[Blockhead_imp]

In Pa. in order to get a MC permit you have pass a vision test and then a simple 20 question written test. You need a score of 80% to pass the written part. You are then required to wear a helmet until you eventually pass an MSF course.

The state offers the MSF course free. It consists of five hours classroom instruction and ten hours riding. You can use your own bike or use theirs free, a 250 cc Honda or Suzuki etc. At the end of the second day of riding they send you through the obstacle course and, unless you crash or screw up very badly, they stamp your permit as a licensed driver.

[emptysea]

Echoing the state-by-state differences. In Illinois, you must be 18+ to get your M designation by taking a riding and written test at a DMV license facility. If you are under 18 and have a valid drivers license, you can only get the M designation if you take a two-day safety course (MSF Basic Riding Course) that includes both classroom and riding (slow speed, closed course) instruction. Generally, but it depends on who is running the MSF course, taking and passing the class eliminates having to re-take the riding/written test at the DMV for riders 18+. Under 18, and you must still pass the riding test at the DMV. Somewhat interestingly, if you take the BRC before your 18th birthday and you wait until you turn 18 to go to the DMV, you are excused from the re-testing. My son did this.

There is an advanced riding course available here, but it is optional. I wish that they would make it mandatory to renew your license after 1 year. I also wish that the MSF BRC was required for ALL riders.

[Henrik_imp]

Thank you all for the feedback. It is true that there is always the added complication of rules and regulations varying from one state to another, but even though your requirements today may not be quite as stringent as in Europe, it does seem quite similar.

I lived in Singapore a few years ago, and when I got there I needed to convert my license. It was quite amusing because they informed me that during the first year living there I could use my existing Swiss license, and subsequently ride whatever bike I wanted for one year. Then I would need to convert that license to a Singapore one which would require re-passing the theory and practical exams. They would then issue me with a license limited to 200cc bikes. After two years with that, I could then pass another exam and move to a max of 400cc. Finally after another two years with that I would be able to pass a third exam and move on to unlimited size. So basically I would first get to ride for 1 year unrestricted. I asked them if they were sure about this, and they confirmed it. I tried to explain the lack of logic behind this, but no change.

In the end I never converted my license and just kept driving throughout my stay...

[Rick Froscheiser_imp]

In Utah you have to take a written test and riding test. Taking the riding test on a 90cc you can only ride 90cc or smaller, take it on a 249cc you can ride 249cc or smaller, take it on a 649cc you can ride 649cc or smaller. Take riding test on 650cc or larger and you can ride any size motorcycle.

[rboe]

When I first took my test in Minnesota it was very basic. Read the book, took the test for learners permit then a driving test a little while later for the endorsement.

Now later on, it was Wisconsin or Minnesota they changed things so that you could not test on a 125 then go home and ride your Goldwing; you were size limited depending on what you tested at. This information is about thirty years old so I'm sure there have been more changes.

In AZ you take a written and a driving test. This can be done on your own at DMV or you can take one of the qualified Motorcycle Safety Schools (the route I took when I decided to get back into biking) and they will test you during the course, give you a certificate to take to DMV saying you passed and the endorsement is added at that point.

Now it its my understanding you can get an international drivers license with a motorcycle endorsement and avoid the whole thing - but my understanding is very limited on that.